Texas Tech football received a late-night commitment on Monday night. Irving High School offensive tackle D'Anthis Upshaw announced on social media that he would be furthering his career at Texas Tech. Upshaw received offers from junior colleges including Tyler Junior College and Butler Community College but chose to attend Tech as a walk-on.
After a deep talk with my Family and @jkbtjc_53 Ive decided to commit to @TexasTechFB to further my academics and pursuit for football @_BNick @IISDAthletics @IrvingISD pic.twitter.com/VYjWKPulpP
— D’Anthis Upshaw (@danthis_upshaw) March 5, 2024
Tech's 2024 recruiting class is already loaded with offensive line talent including four-star recruit Ellis Davis from Prosper and and Holton Hendrix from nearby Lubbock-Cooper. Despite being a walk-on, Upshaw immediately adds more size to the freshman offensive line class. Davis, Jacob Ponton, Maurice Rodrigues and Kasen Long are all listed at 6'6" or 6'7" while Upshaw clocks in currently at 6'5" and 261 lbs. Needless to say, this new offensive line group is coming in with plenty of size.
That bodes well for a unit that is returning only one starter in Caleb Rogers. With Sterling Porcher, Davion Catrer and Vinny Sciury transferring in Joey McGuire has certainly revamped the offensive line that is looking to lead Tahj Brooks to another 1,500-yard campaign. How Upshaw fits in remains to be seen.
While the Irving Tigers had a forgettable season in 2023 going 0-10, Upshaw picked up a few accolades after the season. He was named First Team All-District for offensive line and Second Team All-District for defensive line. While he excelled on defense, it appears Upshaw will stick to playing offensive tackle at the college level.
Based on his highlights, Upshaw was hard to miss on the Tigers' offensive line in 2023. One of the biggest standouts is how well he finishes his blocks on seemingly every play. When he gets to the point of attack, the man he is facing always goes backward.
While Upshaw may need to put on a bit more weight, his size alone is something new offensive line coach Clay McGuire can work with for a start. With the Red Raiders bringing in several transfers to fill in for the offensive line starters who have departed, this unit has a solid foundation of mentors to help tutor the young linemen coming in.
Guys like Carter and Sciury have taken their fair share of snaps at the college level and can help show the young guys what it takes to be a starter on a college offensive line. That will be huge for Upshaw coming in as a walk-on. Under McGuire, a fair number of preferred walk-ons have earned full scholarships under his leadership. If Upshaw hits the ground running in fall camp, he could be next.